Man convicted of accesory to murder seeks Colorado Springs City Council seat

Jan. 3, 2013

COLORADO SPRINGS — A man convicted of being an accessory to murder in the deaths of two teenagers in 1997 says he’s running for Colorado Springs City Council, drawing criticism from the victims’ supporters.

Thirty-two-year-old Gary Flakes announced his candidacy Wednesday.

The Gazette reports he served 12 years and five months in prison after the deaths of two boys, ages 13 and 15, who were shot while walking home from a friend’s house.

Prosecutors alleged Flakes and Jeron Grant, then teens themselves, drove up behind the victims and that Grant shot them. Flakes and Grant were each convicted of being an accessory to murder.

Flakes says he has changed his life. He is now the principal owner of Infinite Mind Consulting.

City officials are researching whether felons can serve on the City Council.